Philosophy

Sometimes the best answer to a question is another question.

Why is beauty beautiful? What makes art… art? Is there a God? How does the mind connect to the body, and where do we locate the soul? What is the meaning of life? Is there a meaning to life?

These are a few of the many questions that philosophy has tackled throughout the ages. Some answers can now be found through science; others remain elusive. Yet the conversation remains as valid and as meaningful as ever, as we continue to examine what it means to be human in a fast-changing world.

As a philosophy student at Oglethorpe, you will explore the history of philosophical inquiry, and the evolution of modern thought, moving from early thinkers like Plato and Socrates, onto influential intellectuals like Descartes, Kant, Sartre, and Derrida. You’ll participate in small, discussion-driven classes, while learning from the expertise of highly engaged professors – a true Socratic experience. You’ll develop the critical thinking skills and intellectual muscle to begin assessing their ideas and arguments for yourself, and to clearly refine and express your ideas – abilities that will serve you well in any profession.

A major city like Atlanta, with a thriving academic and intellectual community, is an ideal place to study philosophy; you’ll never have a shortage of world-class libraries to explore, high-profile speakers to hear, and unique events to attend.

Originally formed in 1839, the Thalian Society – a student-led philosophy society – is the university’s oldest student organization, and possibly the oldest student-led academic society in Georgia. Building on this rich tradition, today’s students have created an active group for discussion and workshops. They also regularly invite philosophical speakers to campus, bringing in experts in a variety of topics to enhance and complement the curriculum.

The Georgia Philosophical Society hosts an annual conference in Atlanta and in recent years it has taken place on Oglethorpe’s campus, making it even easier for students to attend.

With an emphasis on critical thinking, artful communication, skilled argumentation, and reasoned debate, a philosophy degree is useful preparation for many careers, particularly in the fields of education, government, and law.

Many graduates go on to attend law school – even winning impressive scholarships, like one recent alum who received full funding at Wayne State. Another grad went on to a Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Oregon. Another enrolled in a doctoral program for literary translation at the University of Arkansas.